Introduction

toc = Introductions to PLN's: Challenge 1 = Use the readings below to help you answer this question in the discussion forum
 * What will you do to prevent PLN overload? **
 * ** Discussion Forum Directions: ** Click on the forum title that applies to you - elementary, middle, or high school - then scroll to the bottom of the page and type your text into the box on the lefthand corner. Click "post" when you are done. If you want to respond to someone else's post, do this same process, but include their name with an @ symbol - "@torreytrust, I like how you mention..." at the top of your response.

**What is a PLN?**
A Professional Learning Network (PLN) is a global support network of connections and resources. Building a PLN will give you instant access to thousands of experts in your field.

Imagine that you have to re-design a lesson plan that did not pan out as expected. You post a request for ideas on your Professional Learning Network and within a few hours, you receive 15 responses that include links to resources, successful lesson plans, and engaging activities. That is the power of being a connected educator and using a Professional Learning Network (PLN).



Types of PLN Tools
There are two types of PLN tools: information aggregation and social media connections. These two types of tools have different functions. This e-course will teach you about the difference between these two types of tools and how to select a tool that fits your need. **Information Aggregation** These tools allow you to collect information from various resources in order to stay up-to-date on recent news, ideas, and theories.

**Social Media Connections (collaborative)** These tools allow you to connect with individuals around the world.



Benefits of a PLN

 * Crowdsourcing ("none of us are as smart as all of us")
 * Flexible, practical, and personalized learning (not a one-size-fits-all Professional Development workshop)
 * Find solutions to classroom problems in real-time
 * Global support network (instant access to thousands of educators worldwide)
 * Give and receive help (share your expertise and learn from others)
 * Reduces feeling of isolation

**Reading**
 * Professional Learning Networks Designed for Teacher Learning
 * Social Media Vital to Professional Development
 * How Sharing on Social Media Helped Me Become a Better Educator
 * 3 Steps for Building a Professional Learning Network
 * What "Connected Education" Looks Like
 * Why a PLN Changes Everything...
 * Interview with Connected Educator Dr. Pam Moran (Superintendent)
 * How Twitter is Changing Professional Development for Educators
 * Meet Your New PD Tool
 * Connected Educator Month

**Preventing PLN Overload**
It is common to develop both types of PLN’s; however, it can be overwhelming sorting through all of the information, figuring out the social norms for the activity spaces, and learning to use the new tools. Tips for Preventing PLN Overload: If you are able to manage the information overload of a PLN, you will reap the benefits – instant access to support, new ideas, feedback, peers to collaborate with, and conversations focused on practical solutions.
 * ** Start small ** (1 tool per day, follow 2-3 blogs, join 1-2 groups)
 * **Limit the amount of time** you spend on a PLN (i.e., 15 mins a day or 45 mins a week) until you are comfortable using all of the tools
 * **Set a reminder** on your calendar to participate in your PLN once a week (so you don't feel like you have to visit your PLN daily)
 * **Skim read** - quickly browse through your RSS reader and Twitter/Edmodo updates and only read the articles or visit the links that are the most useful to you. If you have extra time, feel free to explore other articles/links/ideas of interest.
 * Read Building a Professional Learning Network and Avoiding Information Overload
 * Read page 14 of Grow Your Personal Learning Network ("Keep it Simple" section)
 * Read Technology: Where do I Begin?

Where to Start?
There are millions of sites, videos, blogs, news sources to follow and thousands of educators to connect to. Where should you start?
 * Start with an area you need help with or want to learn more about (technology, teaching problem-solving skills, student-centered learning, behavior management)
 * Start with your subject/grade level (if you teach 4th grade math, start looking for elementary math sites and educators)
 * Explore some of the sites listed in this e-course, see what piques your interest and then find similar sites/educators for that topic

More About PLN's

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Discussion Forum
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